Caffeine is used by millions of people every day to increase wakefulness, alleviate fatigue, and improve concentration and focus. Up to 400 milligrams (mg) of caffeine a day appears to be safe for most healthy adults. That’s roughly the amount of caffeine in 4 cups of brewed coffee, 10 cans of cola or 2 ‘energy shot’ drinks. Even among adults, heavy caffeine use can cause unpleasant side effects. And caffeine may not be a good choice for people who are highly sensitive to its effects or who take certain medications.

Wow, so you see that? It looks like we’d all be better off cutting back on the caffeine. That’s why I’m trying so hard to curb my caffeine intake.

Wow, so you see that? It looks like we’d all be better off cutting back on the caffeine. That’s why I’m trying so hard to curb my caffeine intake.

So, how do you stay awake without guzzling cups of coffee all morning, noon, and night?

Following are some things that work for me. Hopefully they’ll help keep you alert, too — without sending your nerves into caffeine-induced jitters.

#1 – Go For A Walk

Getting an early morning exercise is one way I really love to get my day going. In fact, if I get my full exercise routine in, I’m usually assured of having a pretty good day — at least physiologically.

I feel best after an outdoor exercise. There’s something about getting some fresh air in the lungs before a long day indoors as a writer that just helps get my day off on the right foot.

For me, walking does the trick. It’s a high-benefit, low-impact way to exercise and improve my health.

#2 – Tackle Small Projects

The last thing you may feel like doing when you’re working mojo is a no-go is chores. But, guess what – if you’re like me, you probably feel a whole lot better when you can check something off your to-do list.

As a freelance writer, my work day consists of a ton of to-do things: edit this, write that, answer a question here, proofread that. You get the point.

I’m sure you have similar things you have to do each day, too.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, business executive, or retiree, there’s probably at least a dozen things you’ve got to do today in the house, out in the yard, at the office, or wherever.

I guarantee if you can check something off that to-do list of yours — even something small like washing the dishes, paying a bill, dusting off your cubicle desk, or renovating your kitchen (just kidding) — your sense of accomplishment will turn into a second wind.

#3 – Drink Water

Drinking water is, admittedly, not my strong suit. Though I’ve gone over and above — at least for my standards — to try and get my daily 8 glasses of water in.

Staying hydrated is not only a physically necessary thing to do to help your body function properly, but it can also help you feel better, too.

I’ve come to realize that I feel most sluggish when I’m dehydrated, and drinking water helps reverse that problem.

I’m not saying you’ll feel as resilient as Superman or Wonder Woman if you drink 8 glasses of water each day (remember, each glass must be 8 ounces to really count as a “cup”). However, you will feel a lot better, and your body will thank you.

#8 – Go Ride A Roller Coaster

Are you faint of heart? You may not be much interested in this idea then.

But, and I’m serious, I really do ride roller coasters to stimulate my senses and help me stay awake.

Of course, it helps that I live within 5 miles of a major theme park and have a seasonal pass.

But if you, too, are fortunate enough to have access to roller coasters and actually get a kick out of being hurtled up, down, and all around, then riding roller coasters might do the trick in helping you feel better, too.

I'm a roller coaster junkie, a weather enthusiast, a frequent traveler, and a numismatist. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I'm a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG). I've also been studying meteorology and watching weather patterns for years. I enjoy sharing little-known facts and fun stuff about coins, weather, travel, health, food, and living green... on a budget.

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